Hairstyles That Work With a Bike Helmet

Finalllllly.

As the Tour de France cyclists climb through the Pyrenees mountains in the final stages of the race, we are hopping on our bikes as well—although our usual route is just a wee bit less strenuous. For us, the bigger challenge is arriving at our destination without the dreaded helmet head and looking chic in the process, and we know that's a common issue. So here, we've crafted two easy hairstyles that will look just as gorgeous at the finish line (bar? friend's house? work?) as they will en route.

1 of 13

Katie Friedman

Hairstyles Fit for a Bike

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2 of 13

Katie Friedman

Look 1: The Sophisticated Knot

Cycling to a dinner party? This modern chignon will sit perfectly underneath your helmet and will keep your hair in place and out of your face as you ride. Once you reach your destination, your can show off the whole sleek (and still smooth) style.

Wash and towel dry your hair. Part it down the middle, and blow dry it smooth with a round brush. Take a small amount of Julien Farel Haircare Flexible Gel and work it through from root to ends, then gather your hair and secure into a tight ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5 of 13

Katie Friedman

Step 2

Separate the ponytail in two. Wrap one side around the base of the ponytail and secure with a bobby pin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

6 of 13

Katie Friedman

Step 3

Wrap the second side around the ponytail in the opposite direction, securing with bobby pins as you go. For a final touch, take a small amount of Julien Farel Haircare Flexible Gloss to tame fly-aways and give your hair some extra shine.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7 of 13

Katie Friedman

The Final Look

The end result is sophisticated and chic, no bike required.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

8 of 13

Katie Friedman

Look 2: The Braided Pony

For a daytime ride along your favorite bike path, try this braid and ponytail hybrid. The style is unique (yet easy), and the details will peek out just below your helmet while the wind blows through the rest of your hair. Just be sure to stop for a break somewhere where you can really show off the whole look.

Wash and towel dry your hair. Apply a small amount of Julien Farel Haircare Flexible Gel, and blow dry with a big, round boar bristle brush for body. Once it's dry, part your hair across the top of the head from ear to ear. Pull the back section into a ponytail at the nape of the neck.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11 of 13

Katie Friedman

Step 2

Divide each side of the remaining hair that is in front of the ears into two sections (you will have four sections total). Starting on the left side, take the section closer to the ponytail and cross it over the ponytail and secure with a bobby pin. Repeat the same step on the right side.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

12 of 13

Katie Friedman

Step 3

Cross over and pin the two remaining sections. Then, take the remaining hair from all the combined sections and cross it over the ponytail and wrap it around the base. Secure it by pining and placing the bobby pin into the elastic underneath the ponytail.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.